The Capital Investment Tax Credit is an annual credit, provided for up to twenty years, against the corporate income tax. Eligible projects are those in designated high-impact portions of the following sectors: clean energy, biomedical technology, financial services, information technology, silicon technology, transportation equipment manufacturing, or be a corporate headquarters facility. Projects must also create a minimum of 100 jobs and invest at least $25 million in eligible capital costs. Eligible capital costs include all expenses incurred in the acquisition, construction, installation, and equipping of a project from the beginning of construction to the commencement of operations. The level of investment and the project's Florida corporate income tax liability for the 20 years following commencement of operations determines the amount of the annual credit.

The Florida Opportunity Fund's Clean Energy Investment Program is a direct investment program created to promote the adoption of energy efficient and renewable energy (EE/RE) products and technologies in Florida. The Fund will increase the availability of capital in Florida through both loan and equity investment instruments, and is designed to help Florida businesses and promote the adoption of commercialized clean energy technology. Fund investments must comport to the State Energy Program statute which requires that funds be used primarily for: (1) facility and equipment improvement with EE/RE products; (2) acquisition or demonstration of renewable energy products; and (3) improvement of existing production, manufacturing, assembly or distribution processes to reduce consumption or increase the efficient use of energy in such processes. The Office of Energy is working with the Grantee – Florida Opportunity Fund (staffed by Enterprise Florida) – and their contracted investment manager Florida First Partners to administer the program.

On July 12 and 13, 2007, Governor Charlie Crist hosted “Serve to Preserve: A Florida Summit on Global Climate Change.” The summit brought together leaders of business, government, science and advocacy to examine the risks of global climate change to Florida, and the nation, and to explore the business opportunities that can come from an aggressive response to climate change. At the conclusion of the summit, Governor Crist signed three Executive Orders and two international partnership agreements, adding Florida to the states actively working to address global climate change.

Community Development Block Grant/Economic Development Infrastructure Financing (CDBG/EDIF) provides public infrastructure financing to help communities grow jobs, enable new business startups and expansions for existing businesses.
State programs help achieve the national objective of CDBG by funding projects in which at least 51 percent of the new jobs created are made available to low and moderate income individuals. The maximum amounts awarded under the program are $1 million for new businesses locating to the state and $500,000 for existing businesses expanding in the state.

The State of Florida distributes more than 60 percent of the State’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program from the US Department of Energy funds for energy efficiency and small scale renewable energy initiatives to cities and counties that were not eligible for direct formula grants from the Department of Energy.
The Office of Energy is distributing these funds based on a competitive basis. Two-thirds of the available grant funds were made available on a competitive basis to all eligible local governments. Requested grant funding from any single applicant does not exceed 10 percent of the available grant funds. The remaining one-third of the available grant funds were dedicated to assist small counties and cities. A “small county” is considered to be a county with an unincorporated population of less than 50,000, while a “small city” is a municipality with a population of 15,000 or less. The maximum award amount in this category does not exceed $250,000.

This Act enacts the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, which is a joint state and federal effort to provide for the conservation of the Everglades region. The plan regulates land and water use in and around Everglades National Park, and sets limitations on the development and modification of new and existing structures and facilities in the area.

It is illegal to discharge any dyestuff, coal tar, oil, sawdust, poison, or deleterious substances into any fresh running waters in Florida in quantities sufficient to injure, stupefy, or kill fish. It is not a violation of this section for any person, firm, or corporation engaged in any mining industry to discharge any water handled or used in any branch of such industry on the surface of land where such industry or branch thereof is being carried on under such precautionary measures as shall be approved by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Dam safety in Florida is a shared responsibility among the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), the regional water management districts, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the local government and private dam owners.

Dam safety training is provided by the BMMR for state, regional, and local regulatory agency personnel and dam owners, with the assistance of the ASDSO, in accordance with the performance requirements of the dam safety grant provided through the National Dam Safety Program led by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Dam inspections in Florida are conducted by agency personnel at the state, regional, and local levels, as related to their respective regulatory programs, as well as by private dam owners. Oversight for phosphate mining and similar industrial impoundments is primarily the responsibility of the FDEP. Other dams generally fall within the purview of the USACE, the State’s five regional water management districts, or local government agencies.

Developers of certain facilities, including dams to be used for hydropower, natural gas companies, wastewater systems, and coal pipelines, may be eligible to exercise eminent domain powers in certain situations.

In the 2009 Legislative Session, the Florida Legislature established the Pilot Program to address economic development and the creation of energy efficient land use patterns. The Energy Economic Zone Pilot Program aims to develop a model to help communities cultivate green economic development, encourage renewable electric energy generation, manufacture products that contribute to energy conservation and green jobs, and further implement building code standards relative to discouraging sprawl and developing energy-efficient land use patterns and greenhouse gas reduction strategies. Two communities, Miami Beach and Sarasota County, have been selected as pilot sites, and aim to implement a variety of sustainability measures, including renewable energy generation projects, over the duration of the program.
All incentives and benefits provided for enterprise zones shall be available to the energy economic zones designated on or before July 1, 2010, and exempts any development in an energy economic zone from the Development of Regional Impact process.

Enterprise Zone Incentives encourage business growth within certain geographic areas targeted for economic revitalization. Businesses which create jobs within a designated zone are eligible for several tax incentives, including sales and use tax credit, tax refunds for machinery or equipment, sales tax refund for building materials, and a sales tax exemption for electrical energy.

It is the policy of the state of Florida to protect, maintain, and improve the quality of the air and waters of the state. This Act authorizes the Department of Environmental Protection to enact and implement regulations designed to control and abate activities which may contribute to air and water pollution. Various regulations may be found in chapter 62 of the Florida Administrative Code. This legislation contains information on point-source discharges, mixing zones, and permitting requirements for pollution sources. Sections 403.0872 through 403.0875 of the Florida Statutes contain additional information on operating permits for major sources of air pollution and Florida's air emissions trading program, while section 403.088 contains additional information on water pollution operation permits.

This Act provides for state-owned submerged lands in areas which have exceptional biological, aesthetic, and scientific value, to be set aside as aquatic preserves or sanctuaries for the benefit of future generations. The remainder of this legislation contains additional information on the extent of designated aquatic preserves as well as information on permitted and prohibited activities specific to individual preserves. General provisions for the maintenance of aquatic preserves can be found in section 258.42 of the Florida Statutes.

The Florida Capital Access Program, run by the Florida Department of Economic Development, is a loan portfolio insurance program enabling lenders to make loans to credit-worthy small businesses. Small businesses can contact participating lenders to enroll in CAP.

This Act is intended to provide for the development of natural, commercial, recreational, ecological, industrial, and aesthetic resources, including, but not limited to, energy facilities, of immediate potential value to the present and future well-being of the residents of this state. To the extent possible, local governments are encouraged to implement state land and water management policies through existing processes for the guidance of growth and development. Through this Act, the Department of Environmental Protection is authorized to offer financial, technical, and other assistance to entities and projects that further the purposes of the Act. This legislation also contains information on state licensing for activities subject to federal consistency review, including permits for the siting and construction of any new electrical power plants, the licensing and relicensing of hydroelectric power plants, the transportation of hazardous substance materials, the construction and operation of interstate gas pipelines and storage facilities, and mining activities.

The Transmission Line Siting Act (TLSA) is the state’s centralized process for licensing electrical transmission lines which; (a) are 230 kV or larger; (b) cross a county line; and, (c) are 15 miles or longer. An applicant can request to use the act for a line less than 15 miles long or if within one county. The Act establishes a centralized and coordinated licensing process for the location of electric transmission line corridors and the construction, operation, and maintenance of electric transmission lines.

The Power Plant Siting Act (PPSA) is the state’s centralized process for licensing large power plants. One license—a certification— replaces local and state permits. Local governments and state agencies within whose jurisdiction the power plant is to be built participate in the process. For the purpose of the Act, an electrical power plant is defined as any steam or solar electrical generating facility using any process or fuel, including nuclear materials, with a generating capacity of 75 MW or greater.

The State Land Planning Agency, established within the Department of Economic Opportunity, has the authority to oversee land planning, zoning, and development activities in the state. The Agency is responsible for establishing land and water management policies to guide and coordinate local decisions relating to growth and development; when possible, such state land and water management policies are implemented by local governments. For the purpose of this act, “development” refers to building activities and mining operations, the reconstruction or modification of an existing structure, a change in the intensity of land use, alteration of a shore or bank, drilling, demolition, land clearing, and the deposit of refuse, solid or liquid waste, or fill on a parcel of land. The Agency may also recommend land areas for designation as Critical Areas of State Concern. Development in such areas is restricted. This legislation contains additional information on the powers and duties of the Agency, as well as procedures for the designation of land. The legislation also contains additional provisions for land management in the Florida Keys, Big Cypress, Green Swamp, and Apalachicola Bay Areas, and regional developments.

The Florida Growth Fund can provide investments in technology and growth-related companies through co-investments with other institutional investors. The Fund awards preference to companies headquartered in, or conducting a significant portion of their business in Florida. In addition, companies must demonstrate a clear path to profitability and have experienced management teams.

The Department of Public Health is responsible for administering a statewide radiation protection program. The program is designed to permit development and utilization of sources of radiation for purposes consistent with the health and safety of the public, and to prevent any associated harmful effects of radiation upon the public through the regulation of all radiation sources. The Department is authorized to adopt, promulgate, amend, and repeal rules and standards which may provide for licensure, registration, or regulation relating to the manufacture, production, transportation, use, possession, handling, treatment, storage, disposal, sale, lease, or other disposition of radioactive material, including naturally occurring radioactive material and low-level radioactive waste, and radiation machines. The Department is also authorized to require the submission of plans, specifications, and reports for new construction and material alterations on the design and protective shielding of installations for radioactive material and radiation machines, excluding X-ray machines of less than 200,000 volts potential, and on systems for the disposal of radioactive wastes, for the determination of any ionizing radiation hazard; and it may render opinions and approve or disapprove such plans and specifications.

It is the policy of the state of Florida: (a) To provide for the management of water and related land resources; (b) To promote the conservation, replenishment, recapture, enhancement, development, and proper utilization of surface and groundwater; (c) To develop and regulate dams, impoundments, reservoirs, and other works and to provide water storage for beneficial purposes; (d) To promote the availability of sufficient water for all existing and future reasonable-beneficial uses and natural systems; (e) To prevent damage from floods, soil erosion, and excessive drainage; (f) To minimize degradation of water resources caused by the discharge of stormwater; (g) To preserve natural resources, fish, and wildlife; (h) To promote recreational development, protect public lands, and assist in maintaining the navigability of rivers and harbors; and (j) Otherwise to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the people of this state.

Florida waters are managed on a state and regional basis, and the Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for coordinating water resource management activities. Development may be restricted inland of a saltwater barrier line established by the Department off of Florida's coast. The Department is responsible for developing a statewide water management plan in cooperation with water management districts and regional water supply authorities. Governing boards of the state's water management districts are also required to develop district water management plans, to address water supply, water quality, flood protection and floodplain management, and natural systems. Additional water use restrictions (section 373.0363) apply to the Central Florida Coordination Area, which includes Polk, Osceola, Orange, and Seminole Counties, and southern Lake County, as designated by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, the South Florida Water Management District, and the St. Johns River Water Management District. The Act contains additional information on the establishment of minimum water flows and levels, the cooperation of state agencies and water management districts, water management districts and basin boards, and required permits and permitting procedures for water use.

The boundaries of water management districts in Florida coincide with the boundaries of environmental districts, although multiple environmental districts may be established within one water management district. Environmental districts have the authority to issue permits, certificates, licenses, and exemptions, and may set rules for activities within their jurisdictions. Water management districts may also be designated as “water control” districts, as described in section 298 of the Florida Statutes. Such districts have additional oversight powers pertaining to land development and construction in their jurisdiction.

Florida's Forest Service completed in 2010 its study "Economic Impact Analysis of Woody Biomass Utilization for Bioenergy in Florida". The study summarizes the estimated economic benefits of utilizing forest residues for energy generation and includes economic analysis of several existing and potential state and federal incentives related to forest biomass utilization.

Florida has been considering a Renewable Portfolio Standard for the state for several years but as of yet no legislation has been developed. It is expected that such a policy would rely in large part on the state's woody biomass resources. The University of Florida conducted a study summarized in the 2010 report "Woody Biomass for Electricity Generation in Florida: Bioeconomic Impacts Under a Proposed Renewable Portfolio Standard Mandate":

The study summarizes potential impacts of an RPS policy for the state with regard to the forestry sector.

The Florida Rural Development Program, through the State Forest Service, provides technical assistance for rural forest-based projects, and provides communication between organizations that provide financial support for such projects:

This law authorizes the establishment of rules and regulations covering the design, fabrication, installation, inspection, testing and safety standards for installation, operation and maintenance of gas transmission and distribution systems.

The High Impact Performance Incentive Grant (HIPI) is a negotiated grant used to attract and grow major high impact facilities in Florida. Grants are provided to pre-approved applicants in certain high-impact sectors such as clean energy. Projects must create at least 50 new full-time jobs in a three-year period, and make a cumulative investment in the state of at least $50 million in a three year period. The business can be granted 50% of the eligible grant upon commencement of operations.

The first part of this legislation establishes Inland Navigation Districts, which are authorized to plan for and manage the development of inland waterways, and to maintain public navigation channels within the state. Districts may also elect to implement and administer other programs and regulations pertaining to navigation and waterway development and conservation, and may restrict certain kinds of development on or adjacent to the waterway. Two main districts exist: the Florida Inland Navigation District (FIND), which has jurisdiction over the eastern portion of the state, and the West Coast Inland Navigation District (WCIND), which has jurisdiction over four counties in the western portion of the state. The second part of this legislation pertains exclusively to FIND.

The Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission assists member states efficiently maximize oil and natural gas resources through sound regulatory practices while protecting the nation's health, safety and the environment.

The Commission serves as the collective voice of member governors on oil and gas issues and advocates states' rights to govern petroleum resources within their borders.

The Commission formed the Geological CO2 Sequestration Task Force, which examines the technical, policy and regulatory issues related to safe and effective storage of CO2 in the subsurface (depleted oil and natural gas fields, saline formations and coal beds).

The Commission also funds research on hydraulic fracking, reusing water used in extracting oil and gas, and makes recommendations on national energy policies and statutes for individual states.

The Commission also has several associate states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. In addition, it has international affiliations with the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and the Yukon.

The Department of Environmental Protection's Mining Program is responsible for enacting and implementing regulations pertaining to land reclamation. The program primarily focuses on the reclamation of lands mined for phosphate, but some regulations (mostly found in Part III, sections 387.401 et seq.) also pertain more generally to mined land. This legislation contains information on mining inspections and certifications, owner liability, exemptions and permits, and regulations which pertain specifically to heavy metal mining.

The Department of Environmental Protection regulates the use and storage of surface waters in the state. A permit from either the Department or the local Water Management District is required for the construction or alteration of any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, or works. Specific regulations for such permits may be implemented by the Department or the relevant District. However, notwithstanding any local rules, the Department is authorized to implement and enforce statewide environmental resource permitting rules governing the construction, alteration, operation, maintenance, repair, abandonment, and removal of any stormwater management system, dam, impoundment, reservoir, appurtenant work, works, or any combination thereof. Permits are also required for certain proposed activities in or adjacent to surface waters or wetlands, and applicants must demonstrate that state water quality standards will not be violated and provide reasonable assurance that such activity in, on, or over surface waters or wetlands is not contrary to the public interest. This legislation contains additional water planning information specific to individual water management districts.

The Myakka was designated as the state's only "Florida Wild and Scenic River" by the Florida State Legislature in 1985. The act provides for preservation and management of the 34-mile portion of the river within Sarasota County, and limits development and construction on the river and adjacent lands. The Act also created the Myakka River Management Coordinating Council to oversee the Myakka. The Council has the authority to recommend amendments to the Act.

The regulation of natural gas intrastate transportation and sale is deemed to be an exercise of the police power of the state for the protection of the public welfare. The Public Service Commission is empowered to fix and regulate rates and services of natural gas transmission companies, including, without limitation, rules and regulations for determining the classification of customers and services, for determining the applicability of rates, and for ensuring that the provision (including access to transmission) or abandonment of service by a natural gas transmission company is not unreasonably preferential, prejudicial, or unduly discriminatory.

This Act establishes a centralized and coordinated permitting process for the location of natural gas transmission pipeline corridors and the construction and maintenance of natural gas transmission pipelines. The Act intends to achieve a reasonable balance between the need for the natural gas transmission pipeline as a means of providing abundant natural gas and the impact on the public and the environment resulting from the location of the natural gas transmission pipeline corridor and the construction and maintenance of the natural gas transmission pipelines. As part of the Act, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) handles in-state environmental regulatory matters for wetlands crossings, discharge of hydrostatic test waters and other applicable areas. No projects have yet been certified under the Natural Gas Pipeline Siting Act.

Local water management districts are required to establish programs and regulations to provide for the permitting of consumptive uses of water. Such permitting programs are subject to the authorization and oversight of the Department of Environmental Protection, and the Department is currently leading an effort to make consumptive use permitting more consistent throughout the state. To obtain a permit pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, the applicant must establish that the proposed use of water: (a) Is a reasonable-beneficial use as defined in this chapter; (b) Will not interfere with any presently existing legal use of water; and (c) Is consistent with the public interest. Water management districts may establish additional conditions. This legislation contains additional information on consumptive use permitting procedures, as well as information on existing permits and water uses, artesian wells, land acquisition, and water conservation requirements.

The Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for enacting regulations to prevent and mitigate the release of pollutants into the land and waters of the state. This legislation authorizes the Department to enact relevant regulations and describes prohibited acts, the liability of parties responsible for polluting acts, and cleanup and removal procedures for pollutants.

Chapter 366 of the Florida Statutes governs the operation of public utilities, and includes a section pertaining to cogeneration and small power production (366.051). This section establishes the state's support for incorporating cogenerators and small power producers into the grid, and directs the Public Service Commission to establish regulations and guidelines pertaining to the sale of electricity from these generators to electric utilities. Public utility power purchasing rates must be equal to the purchasing utility's full avoided costs.

The Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund incentive is available for companies that create high wage jobs in targeted high value-added industries. The incentive refunds up to $3,000 per new full-time employee, $6000 in an Enterprise Zone. More tax refunds are available if companies reach certain wage levels. This incentive also includes refunds on corporate income, sales, ad valorem, intangible personal property, insurance premium, and others. The incentive is capped at $5 million per applicant.

This entry lists the states with Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) policies that accept generation located in Florida as eligible sources towards their RPS targets or goals. For specific information with regard to eligible technologies or other restrictions which may vary by state, see the RPS policy entries for the individual states, shown below in the Authority listings. Typically energy must be delivered to an in-state utility or Load Serving Entity, and often only a portion of compliance targets may be met by out-of-state generation. In addition to geographic and energy delivery requirements, ownership, registry, and other requirements may apply, such as resource eligibility, generator vintage and capacity limitations, as well as limits on Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) vintage. The listing applies to RPS Main Tiers only, and excludes solar or distributed generation that may require interconnection only within the RPS state. This assessment is based on energy delivery requirements and reasonable transmission availability. Acceptance of unbundled RECs varies. There may be additional sales opportunities in RPS states outside the Eastern Interconnection. REC prices in markets with voluntary goals (North Dakota, South Dakota) may be lower.

It is the public policy of the state to conserve and control the natural resources of oil and gas, and their products; to prevent waste of oil and gas; to provide for the protection and adjustment of the rights of landowners, producers, and interested parties; and to safeguard the health, property and public welfare of the citizens of said state and other interested persons. The Division of Resource Management within the Department of Environmental Protection is responsible for regulating the production and conservation of oil and gas resources. This legislation contains more information on the scope of the Division's powers; permitting procedures for exploration, development, and production permits; and well spacing and pooling. Additional regulations can be found in chapter 62C of the Florida Administrative Code.

The Department of Environmental Protection regulates the construction, repair, and abandonment of wells, as well as the persons and businesses undertaking such practices. Governing boards of water management districts are authorized to implement programs for the issuance of permits for the location, construction, repair, and abandonment of water wells. However, the Department may prescribe minimum standards for the location, construction, repair, and abandonment of water wells throughout all or parts of the state, as may be determined by the Department.

The Department of Environmental Protection administers the state solid and hazardous waste management programs. The programs aim to:

(a) Plan for and regulate in the most economically feasible, cost-effective, and environmentally safe manner the storage, collection, transport, separation, processing, recycling, and disposal of solid waste in order to protect the public safety, health, and welfare; enhance the environment for the people of this state; and recover resources which have the potential for further usefulness.
(b) Offer planning and technical and financial assistance for solid waste management.
(c) Provide the authority and require counties and municipalities to adequately plan and provide efficient, environmentally acceptable solid waste management and require counties to plan for proper hazardous waste management.
(d) Require review of the design, and issue permits for the construction, operation, and closure of solid waste management facilities.
(e) Promote the application of resource recovery systems which preserve and enhance the quality of air, water, and land resources.
(f) Ensure that hazardous waste is transported, disposed of, stored, and treated in a manner adequate to protect human health, safety, and welfare and the environment.
(g) Promote the reduction, recycling, reuse, or treatment of solid waste, specifically including hazardous waste, in lieu of disposal of such wastes.
(h) Promote the application of methods and technology for the treatment, disposal, and transportation of hazardous wastes which are practical, cost-effective, and economically feasible.
(i) Encourage counties and municipalities to promote efficient and proper methods of managing solid waste and to promote the economical recovery of material and energy resources from solid waste.
(j) Promote the education of the general public and the training of solid waste professionals to reduce the production of solid waste, to ensure proper disposal of solid waste, and to encourage recycling.
(k) Encourage the development of waste reduction and recycling as a means of managing solid waste, conserving resources, and supplying energy through planning, grants, technical assistance, and other incentives.
(l) Encourage the development of the state’s recycling industry by promoting the successful development of markets for recycled items and by promoting the acceleration and advancement of the technology used in manufacturing processes that use recycled items.
(m) Require all state agencies to aid and promote the development of recycling through their procurement policies for the general welfare and economy of the state.
(n) Require counties to develop and implement recycling programs within their jurisdictions.
(o) Ensure that biomedical waste is treated and disposed of in a manner adequate to protect human health, safety, and welfare and the environment.

(p) Require counties, municipalities, and state agencies to determine the full cost for providing, in an environmentally safe manner, storage, collection, transport, separation, processing, recycling, and disposal of solid waste material, and encourage counties, municipalities, and state agencies affected to contract with private persons for any or all such services in order to assure that such services are provided on the most cost-effective basis.

The Rural Job Tax Credit Program is an incentive for businesses located within one of the 36-designated Qualified Rural Areas to create new jobs. The tax credit ranges from $1000 to $1500 per qualified employee and can be taken against either the Florida Corporate Income Tax or the Florida Sales and Use Tax.

This program leverages Florida’s state energy grant initiatives to identify “shovel-ready” projects that can be expeditiously implemented through available SEP funding. The goal is to provide grants for competitively-selected renewable energy and energy efficiency technology projects. The grant program is designed to stimulate capital investment in the state and promote and enhance the statewide utilization of renewable energy technologies. The top ten ranked (but unfunded) projects from FY 2008-09 grant applications from the Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technology category as well as the Renewable Energy and Energy-Efficient Technology for Bioenergy category have been selected to receive funding. Before funding is awarded, the applicant must undergo eligibility and environmental review by the U.S. Department of Energy and agree to the requirements applicable under the ARRA. Only 3 of the 20 grants received funding after DOE review.

Through the Small Business Environmental Assistance Program (SBEAP), the Department of Environmental Protection provides technical and regulatory assistance to small businesses. Although SBEAP is primarily focused on helping small businesses reduce air pollution emissions, staff either provide direct assistance on air, water, and waste questions or refer them to other Florida Department of Environmental Protection divisions.

The Small Business Loan Support Program provides small businesses with loan guarantees and loan participations. Businesses must contribute match investment or other credit assistance. A business’s lending institution must pre-qualify with Enterprise Florida.

Florida’s 62 Soil and Water Conservation Districts were established in 1937 under Chapter 582 Florida Statutes. The law was based on federal model legislation to establish Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) nationwide. Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) were originally organized, for the most part, within county boundaries by landowner petition based on a need for soil and water conservation and in the interest of public health, safety, and welfare. A Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) so organized constitutes a governmental subdivision of the State of Florida. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has the authority to enact rules and regulations pertaining to soil and water conservation, but individual districts are primarily responsible for developing and enacting comprehensive soil and water conservation plans for their jurisdiction. Such plans may include the adoption of regulations pertaining to soil, water, and land use as well as to construction and development activities in the region.

This program will support the installation of photovoltaic systems with battery back-up on strategically located schools and emergency shelters throughout the state. The Office of Energy will coordinate with the Florida Solar Energy Center to select 90 co-located schools and emergency shelters in Florida and install 10 kW and larger solar systems with data loggers on each site. The program will include operation and maintenance workshops for energy and facilities managers and administer education orientation workshops for teachers. There are four primary objectives to this program:

(1) creating or saving green collar jobs by hiring solar contractors to install solar systems;
(2) providing power for critical needs during power outages and times of disaster;
(3) educating future generations about solar energy technologies; and
(4) and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition, it will update the http://www.energywhiz.com Web site to include new system information for each of the 90 schools/shelters.

The Southeast Interstate Low-Level Radioactive Waste Management Compact is administered by the Compact Commission. The Compact provides for rotating responsibility for the region's low-level radioactive waste, and the Commission can set rules for waste disposal in the region.

The Southern States Energy Compact provides for the proper employment and conservation of energy, and for the employment of energy-related facilities, materials, and products, within the context of a responsible regard for the environment, among the Southeastern states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Southern States Energy Board is responsible for administering the Compact and may adopt bylaws, rules, and regulations in conjunction with state agencies. The Board also encourages the development, conservation, and responsible use of energy and energy-related facilities, installations, and products as part of a balanced economy and a healthy environment.

This Act assigns water monitoring duties to the Department of Environmental Protection, and requires the Department to establish Total Daily Maximum Load (TDML) levels for water bodies throughout the state. TDMLs are published in section 62-304 of the Florida Administrative Code. This legislation also establishes a water quality credit trading program, and authorizes the Department to set best management practices for select bodies of water. However, permitting duties related to water quality are typically under the purview of local water management districts in Florida.

The Wekiva River Protection Act directs the Orange, Lake, and Seminole Counties to emphasize the Wekiva River Protection Area in their planning efforts and regulations. Each county’s local comprehensive plan must contain goals, policies, and objectives that result in the protection of the: (1) Water quantity, water quality, and hydrology of the Wekiva River System; (2) Wetlands associated with the Wekiva River System; (3) Aquatic and wetland-dependent wildlife species associated with the Wekiva River System; and (4) Habitat within the Wekiva River Protection Area of species designated pursuant to rules. The Act contains further information on the types of development that may be restricted from the Wekiva River watershed. The Wekiva Parkway Protection Act calls for prudent planning and zoning practices, development strategies, and stormwater management plans to restore damaged natural springs and groundwater resources. It implements the planning recommendations made by the Wekiva River Basin Coordinating Committee in 2004. These can be found here: http://www.dep.state.fl.us/central/Home/Admin/WekivaReportDecember2004.pdf